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Florida
5th February 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Florida bill sparks school voucher fears

In Florida, a new bill (HB 1471) is raising alarms among Muslim advocates and free speech experts, who fear it could discriminate against Islamic schools. Critics argue that the bill may violate the First Amendment by targeting specific religions. Hiba Rahim, deputy executive director of the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), expressed concern about the potential for "false association with things like Sharia." The bill prohibits schools linked to designated terrorist organizations from receiving voucher funds, which could disproportionately affect Islamic institutions. Attorney General James Uthmeier's comments on Islamic schools have also fueled fears of discrimination. Alex Luchenitser from Americans United for Separation of Church and State warned that denying vouchers to Muslim schools while allowing them for others would constitute "religious discrimination."

STATE NEWS

Students protest, schools push back

In response to nationwide student walkouts protesting federal immigration policies, Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas has warned against allowing such protests during school hours. He emphasized that "we will not tolerate educators encouraging school protests and pushing their political views onto students." The Leon County School District echoed this sentiment, stating that disruptions to the school routine would not be accepted. The protests, sparked by the shooting deaths of Immigration and Customs Enforcement protestors, have gained traction among students, with more demonstrations anticipated. Brevard County School Board Chair Matt Susin also reiterated that while students can express their views outside school hours, disruptions during the school day will not be tolerated.

Florida classroom camera bills advance

House Bill 859, sponsored by Reps. Chase Tramont and Kevin Chambliss, has passed two committees and is on its way to the full House. Chambliss emphasized the bill's focus on safety, stating: "This is a situation that is a safety concern." The Senate version, SB 1170, sponsored by Sen. Alexis Calatayud, has also gained committee approval. The legislation allows parents to request video cameras in classrooms where most students receive special education services. Advocates, including Elizabeth Bonker, highlighted the importance of this measure for protecting non-speaking children, saying: "SB 1170 is vitally important to protect voiceless children." While the bills have received unanimous support, concerns about classroom overreach have been raised. The legislation does not currently allocate funds for camera installation, leaving schools to cover costs if the bills pass.

Florida's book bans escalate again

Florida lawmakers are intensifying their efforts to ban books in schools with two new bills, HB 1119 and HB 1071. These measures aim to simplify the removal of books while complicating educators' ability to defend the freedom to read. Since 2021, nearly 9,000 titles have been banned in Florida, according to PEN America, raising concerns about the impact on students' education. The proposed legislation threatens to undermine First Amendment rights and could lead to widespread censorship, particularly targeting books that feature diverse perspectives.

NATIONAL NEWS

Cellphone bans gain momentum in schools

Cellphone bans in schools are gaining traction across more than half of U.S. states, with educators and experts advocating for these policies to enhance student achievement and mental health. Kara Stern, director of education and engagement for SchoolStatus, said: "During remote learning, phones became a primary way kids entertained themselves and stayed connected," but have since contributed to disconnection in classrooms. Currently, 38 states and Washington, D.C., have some form of cellphone restrictions, with 18 states implementing full-day bans. While many support these measures, compliance remains inconsistent, as a 2025 University of Southern California study found that most students still use phones during school hours.

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GOVERNANCE

Duval County School Board gains autonomy

The Duval County School Board is set to gain the ability to hire its own general counsel, a change that has passed through a third House panel. Currently, Duval is the only school district in Florida that does not have this autonomy. The proposed legislation, House Bill 4049, aims to ensure the board can attract top legal talent while still being subject to the legal authority of Jacksonville's general counsel. Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, sponsors the bill, which states that the board's counsel “shall be independent of the office of the general counsel of the city of Jacksonville but shall be subject to the opinion, binding or otherwise, of the general counsel of the city.” The charter change has yet to be voted on in the Senate.

LEGAL

Collier County School Board stands firm

The Collier County Public School Board has unanimously rejected a proposed settlement with the Florida Citizens Association, which sought access to parent email addresses. The request, initially made in 2023, was denied due to privacy laws, leading to a court complaint. The trial is expected to begin around March, while the Florida Citizens Association prepares for next steps.

Broward students face competition crisis

An ongoing legal dispute between Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and WGI, a nonprofit youth organization, threatens to prevent students from participating in upcoming color guard and marching band events. Parents are rallying support, with over 4,000 signatures on a Change.org petition urging the district to resolve the issue before the February 10 school board meeting. BCPS board member Adam Cervera mentioned that the contract negotiations have hit two main sticking points: compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and termination clauses.

DISTRICTS

Parents fear loss of virtual school

Parents are concerned about the potential closure of Leon County Virtual School, which provides flexible education for students with diverse needs, including those with learning disabilities. High school senior Gabriella Swain, who benefits from this virtual option, expressed: “Being able to have that one-on-one time and getting to know the teachers and just all the staff members is really something important and special to me.” However, Superintendent Rocky Hanna is recommending the closure to address budget shortfalls, citing only 90 full-time students enrolled and potential savings of $6.7m.

TECHNOLOGY

Florida students harness AI for success

Florida students are increasingly utilizing AI as a learning tool, despite concerns about its accuracy. Tallahassee State College reports a 52% inaccuracy rate for AI chatbots, yet students like Destinee Vritto advocate for its benefits, stating: "AI is literally only what you make it." Students emphasize the importance of fact-checking AI responses and using the technology to enhance their research. Professor Vanessa Dennen from Florida State University highlights ongoing concerns about cheating, noting that AI can produce high-quality outputs. Experts agree that AI is here to stay, and educators must embrace it to help students leverage its advantages, such as improving writing and providing critical feedback.

NUTRITION

Navigating new school meal guidelines

The recent unveiling of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduces significant changes to school meal standards. Lori Nelson of the Chef Ann Foundation stated: "It is a puzzle essentially," highlighting the complexities schools face in meeting new nutritional requirements. The guidelines emphasize protein intake and encourage the use of whole-fat dairy products, which may lead to increased costs for schools. Diane Pratt-Heavner, a spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association, noted that schools would "absolutely need more funding" to comply with potential new protein requirements. While the USDA sets regulations based on these guidelines, the implementation process is lengthy, requiring significant adjustments in infrastructure, staffing, and funding.

TEACHER SUPPORT

Teacher of the Year finalists address stress and burnout issues

In a recent discussion with Education Week, the finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award emphasized the importance of addressing teacher stress and burnout. One of the final five, Katie Collins, a 1st grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary in Hoover, Alabama,said: "Teachers still feel alone. We are regulating very dysregulated children and we're dysregulated ourselves." The finalists highlighted the need for supportive environments that foster connections among teachers and students, and advocated for administrators to prioritize social and emotional support, particularly for young teachers of color. The educators shared strategies for maintaining joy in their work, such as finding purpose and building trust with administrators. Collins concluded: "When we can trust each other, y'all, the sky is the limit." The insights from these educators underscore the critical need for systemic changes to support teachers effectively.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia brings early language learning to the classroom

Australia’s Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program is being expanded into Foundation to Year 2 classrooms, giving primary schools free access to digital, play-based language learning tools. Already used by more than 1m children across 5,000 early learning services, the program now offers 11 immersive apps per language, professional development, and classroom resources aligned with the Australian Curriculum. The expansion aims to overcome common barriers to early language teaching, such as limited teacher confidence and resources, while promoting cultural understanding, inclusivity, and multilingualism from the earliest years of schooling.

AND FINALLY...

Rouble Nagi awarded $1m Global Teacher Prize

Rouble Nagi, an Indian teacher and activist, has been awarded the $1m Global Teacher Prize at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Known for establishing over 800 learning centers and creating educational murals, Nagi aims to provide structured learning for children who have never attended school. Her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation focuses on teaching literacy, science, math, and history through art. Nagi plans to utilize the prize money to build an institute offering free vocational training. The Global Teacher Prize, awarded by the Varkey Foundation, recognizes exceptional educators worldwide; Nagi is the tenth recipient since its inception in 2015.
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